GOD’s glory

Just sitting and talking to the LORD this morning, I got so excited for by GOD’s infusing a simple truth into my thoughts and coupling it with another verse (Proverbs 21:1) the light went on in vivid color for me as HE explained something I had accepted because it was in the Word of GOD but had not understood at all. 

The truth GOD whispered into my ear this morning: ”And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD had spoken it”(Isaiah 40:5).

The concept I had not understood was: “The LORD has made all things for HIMSELF: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil” (Proverbs 16:4).

We know from Exodus 33:18-19, 34:6-7 that GOD’s glory is HIS divine nature.

When GOD designed man, HE chose to make him in HIS own image (Genesis 1:27) and that included the ability to choose.  GOD did not make puppets, but people HE desired to one day make HIS children, yet HE gave them the choice whether they wanted to be with HIM or not.

”A man’s heart devises (designs/ contrives/plans/chooses) his way: but the LORD directs his steps” Proverbs 16:9.

How can that be? GOD sets parameters, (Acts 17:26 last clause, 27) GOD presets the times and places, with the desire that men would reach out to HIM and find HIM.  But the LORD of heaven and earth and everything within allows man to choose how to act within the boundaries HE sets.

The oldest book of the Bible, Job, gives us an example.  GOD allowed the fallen angel Satan to act within precise boundaries (Job 1:12, 2:6) but Satan decided what to do in the boundaries GOD allowed (Job 1:13-19, 2:7-10).  The thing that Satan didn’t know, but our all-knowing GOD did, is how Job would act in any given situation.

Our GOD is all knowing.  HE knows the past, present, and future which entail even the words we will say before we say them (Psalm 139:4-Before a word is on my tongue, YOU know it completely).

GOD’s attribute of knowing all things enables HIM to allow man to choose how to act since GOD sets the stage of time and place according to HIS purposes.  This way man is fully responsible for his actions since he chooses them, yet GOD is still in control and working everything together to fulfill HIS plans and purposes (Ephesians 1:11).

Before I tell you how GOD opened my eyes, let me remind you that GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Three times in Ezekiel (18:23, 32, 33:11) GOD cries out to the wicked to turn to HIM and live because HE does not delight in the death of the wicked.

How would allowing those who GOD knew would choose evil instead of HIM bring glory to GOD?  It reveals GOD’s awesome character.  Things like GOD’s love, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, and righteousness (doing what is right) even in HIS eventual destruction of all evil.

Just one last example.  JESUS knew from the beginning that Judas was a thief, but HE had him carry the money bag for the group.  Why? Doing so gave Judas an opportunity to choose to do right.  JESUS knew Judas would betray HIM, yet it is written that JESUS loved him to the end (John 13:1). JESUS loved Judas until his continual wrong choices placed Judas in a catch 22 where he could not turn back.  That is what happens after the Rapture according to 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11.

The greatest thing is to know GOD.  Job said, before all his trouble, he had heard of GOD with HIS ears but after all his troubles he got to see GOD as HE is.  That is the best.  And when we see GOD’s glory when HE ends all evil and promises it will not rise a 2^nd time that will be glory indeed!

“What do ye imagine against the LORD? HE will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time” (Nahum 1:9).

Hugs

Sharon

What in the world is going on?

Have you been wondering “What in the world is going on?

With all the catastrophes such as earthquakes all over, train wrecks, explosions, threats like those posed by the huge, suspected surveillance balloons in many places, the strange blue lights in the sky over Japan, plus so many health issues, one hardly knows who or what to pray for 1^st.  Yet my thoughts and prayers keep going back to Turkey.  Turkey that was highlighted in the Bible as having the 7 churches JESUS speaks directly to In Revelation 2 and 3.  Turkey I’m sure you know has had more than 90 aftershocks (both big and small) after the 1^st two huge earthquakes (7.6+) with the NY Post reporting on February 18, 2023 of over 46,000 casualties.  Geophysicists also say there is more coming.

I wonder if the LORD keeps turning my mind (Proverbs 21:1) to Turkey to remind me of GOD’s faithfulness to me personally when I was in Turkey.  For as I remember HIS faithfulness to me, I am not fearful but can trust HIM, the only great GOD, while the world is in such an upheaval.  For only as I look to HIM in trust am I able to walk by faith in my Sovereign good GOD and not by what I see  around me (Habakkuk 2:4, 1 Corinthians 5:7).

I thank GOD for the 30+% of the Bible that is prophesy (telling of things to come before they happened).  So many of those prophesies have already come true which assures us that the rest will materialize as well.  The prophesy fulfilled gives credence to the Bible and is never meant to scare people but to prepare them for what is coming.  JESUS also said, “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe” (John 14:29).

In October of 1995 a team us traveled to the Muslim country of Turkey, on what was called a prayer journey.  We went to pray for the people of Turkey, to confess the horrible sins of Christians during the Crusades and to pray at the locations of the 7 churches of Revelation 2 and 3. What we saw in those 7 locations was mostly ruins.  The picture shows some of my teammates going down in the ruins of the amphitheater in Ephesus. 

We arrived in Istanbul and experienced a mild earthquake, just a tremor- a shaking more than anything.  During our travels, one late afternoon before dusk, we were headed up a winding mountain road.  It seemed like one lane to me, but vehicles traveled both ways on it. Occasionally a car would be coming down from the opposite direction and we would pull closely to the edge of the road and stop.  Suddenly, we saw a bus headed straight toward us and there was nowhere to pull over to, but we stopped.  I was sure we would go over the ledge so took a deep breath and prayed.  The bus barely missed us.  Though shaken we continued to the high place we had been heading for.

Once back in the States, I visited a Bible study of ladies who had promised to pray for me on the journey to give a report detailing highlights of the trip.  Before I began to speak, one gal said tearfully, “I promised to pray for you, but I kept forgetting.  Then early one morning while still dark, on the way to work, I just had to stop and pray for you. I prayed and prayed until the burden lifted.”

I asked Monica about what time that happened.  As far as we could figure with the time difference between the countries, GOD made her stop and pray just as that bus headed our way. To me that shouted GOD’s word is true.

“Faithful is HE who calls you who will also do it.” GOD was faithful to protect us and faithful to enable Monica to do what HE had assigned for her to do at the right time, which enabled her to be faithful to her promise.

“So that we may boldly say, The LORD is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:6).  That adventure speaks loudly of the faithfulness of GOD, and enable me to trust in GOD’s goodness and control in what I don’t like or understand.

To us who belong to JESUS, HE said, “Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid believe…” (John 14:1) and we are also told to, “examine yourself to see if you are in the faith…”  (2 Corinthians 13:5).

To the church of Ephesus JESUS said, “You have left you 1^st love… repent… or I will remove your lampstand” (Revelation 2:4-5).  There is no lampstand/ church (Revelation 1:20) in Ephesus.  What does that tell you? It tells me that GOD keeps HIS word.

For GOD declares HE is going to punish sin, since sin destroys.  On the other hand, there is forgiveness if one believes in the LORD JESUS CHRIST and GOD is faithful to all believers in JESUS who have become HIS children by believing the Gospel which is the good news that GOD loves mankind and sent HIS only SON to earth (John 3:16) to reveal the nature of GOD to us (John 14:7) and then to die for the sins of mankind that we might be forgiven and reconciled to GOD. and that JESUS was raised again to life to be declared the Son of GOD with power- (Romans 1:4). GOD promises to work all things (good and bad) together for an end result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).

If you who do not know JESUS, I urge you in the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, call upon the name of the LORD and be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Hugs

Sharon

What do you practice?

Walking into a new friend’s home I spied an old piano just like the one my dad bought for Christmas in 1956 when I was in the 6th grade. We had just moved to Sacramento from a small town in the mountains. I began to take piano lessons at that time. It did not come naturally for I have short stubby fingers and am a bit awkward.  But I would sit down on the piano bench and plunk away at the scales to the beat of a metronome as best I could. My teacher insisted that I use a metronome, hoping that it would increase my sense of tempo. It did help, plus Praise the LORD, in GOD’s mercy it prepared me for the days when I would lose my ability to hear many sounds. For I still could pick up on the tempo and enjoy the rhythm even though many tones were gone.

Daily I would faithfully sit and practice the scales and simple songs.  I never got very far in learning to play for my instructions were cut short. It was a time of much upheaval in our family, and a few months after starting lessons I moved hundreds of miles away to live with my grandmother. Set in a strange new world getting to know my grandmother who I’d only seen once a year, going to a new school, and meeting new people pushed thoughts of playing the piano far away, and since money for lessons just wasn’t there, I never had another opportunity.

As I read in 1 John 3 my thoughts turned back to those daily practice sessions on the piano sixty-seven years ago.  I remember that practicing my scales often felt like drudgery. 

But living with my grandmother I found JESUS, or I should say HE claimed me.  I am so thankful for GOD the FATHER’s unspeakable love shown so clearly when HE gave the LORD JESUS, HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believed in HIM would not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). I marvel at how freely JESUS laid aside HIS position and rights, took on a human body and came in the flesh as a little human baby born and placed in an animal feeding trough. JESUS grew up in submission to ones HE had made.  JESUS always taught and modeled GOD the FATHER perfectly (Hebrews 1:2-3).  I stand in awe that JESUS did only what GOD the FATHER told HIM to do and then gave HIMSELF to die on the cross bearing all the sins of the world-past present and future.  Astonishing many HE rose again on the 3rd day and is now seated at the right hand of FATHER GOD awaiting the day when HE will come for HIS bride, the church. It is written HE will remain in the clouds when HE calls us up to meet with HIM (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17) and then 7 years later come to earth to put down rebellion and literally reign on the earth for 1,000 years.

What caught my attention in 1 John 3:1-10 was that until JESUS calls us up into the clouds to be with HIM and escape the 7 years of Jacob’s (Jewish) trouble also known as the wrath of GOD on the wicked and called the great Tribulation, we Christians are to be PRACTICING being like JESUS.  PRACTICING meaning learning more and more and getting better and better at it just as one would if diligently practiced playing the piano.

Now there is a difference between PRACTICING doing right and legalism. Legalism is trying to gain GOD’s favor by how I act. JESUS already earned that for me. PRACTICING doing right is just trying to be more like my Savior JESUS. Like a little child gets steadier on his feet by trying to walk so I can walk closer with the HOLY SPIRIT by practicing to do right with HIS help.

It is said that “Practice makes perfect”. Well, I never got anywhere near being perfect in playing the piano, but I do choose to spend my days now practicing what the Word of GOD says.

“See how great a love the FATHER has given us, that we would be called children of GOD; and in fact we are. For this reason, the world does not know (understand) us: because it did not know (understand) HIM. Beloved, now we are children of GOD, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when HE (JESUS) appears, we will be like HIM, because we will see HIM just as HE is. And everyone who has this hope set on HIM (JESUS) purifies himself, just as HE (JESUS) is pure.

Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. You know that HE (JESUS) appeared in order to take away sins; and in HIM there is no sin. No one who remains in HIM (JESUS) sins continually; no one who sins continually has seen HIM or knows HIM. Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as HE (JESUS) is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The SON of GOD appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. No one who has been born of GOD practices (intentionally tries to do more and more) sin, because his seed remains in him; and he cannot sin continually, because he has been born of GOD. By this the children of GOD and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD, nor the one who does not love his brother and sister.” (1 John 1-10 NASB).

Those verses tell us how to purify ourselves (live like one under a vow) as HE (JESUS) is pure (blameless, innocent, modest). We fix our eyes on JESUS and determine to follow HIS actions/ to do as JESUS would do (Hebrews 12:2).  Remember the bracelets WWJD (what would JESUS do)? Following HIM it is only possible as we look to HIM and HE strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Now here comes the part about PRACTICING that really caught my attention, and it must be extremely important for 6 times from 1 John 3:4 to 10 the Greek word poieo (Practice) is used. The NASB translates that word practicing all 6 times. When used as a participle that word means to be continually, actively devoted to, follow after, practicing something.

The verses speak of practicing doing right, or following after JESUS’ actions, and being right (1 John 3:7), or practicing sin and following after the devil (1 John 3:8).

There is a strong emphasis in these verses, that if you belong to GOD, you will practice to do right. That is, you will want to do what is right and good.  Just as I want to play the right notes at the right tempo. But just as I would slip and hit the wrong note as I practiced on the piano, or as today I hit the wrong letter when I was texting a friend, I sometimes slip and sin. I do not delight in sinning, and am definitely not practicing making mistakes, but sometimes it does happen.

On the other hand, the lifestyle of this world, doing things “my way”, is practicing sin. Cain is spoken of in 1 John 3:11-12. He is said to be of the devil. But even before he murdered his brother, it is written that his works were evil. What did he do wrong? He was a farmer, was that wrong? I don’t think so. But Cain offered the product of his own work to GOD as an offering, when GOD had said it must be a blood sacrifice. Doing things our own way, instead of GOD’s way is evil. It is following after the devil’s way of wanting to be in control/ the one who calls the shots/ how things are done.

Our FATHER in heaven has decreed that we who love HIM will be transformed into JESUS likeness so that JESUS will be the 1^st of many brethren (Romans 8:28-29). On our own that awesome transformation is totally impossible. The context indicates it is through both hard times and good that the process of our change is carried out. It is the work of the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Corinthians 3:18), through the prayers of JESUS (Hebrews 7:25).  We can be a part of it if we practice what we learn and thus train ourselves to discern good from evil (Hebrews 5:14). In this way, we purify ourselves even as HE (JESUS) is pure.

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace to practice being good(Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.”(Romans 15:13) Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over all your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

hugs

Sharon

Are you listening?

I was given a package of Forget me nots seeds when I attended the memorial service for an old friend.  She was a very special lady.  Being it was too late in the year to plant the seeds outdoors, I threw a few of the seeds in a small planter and placed it on a windowsill in my office.  They have grown each plant in its own way and whenever I see the beautiful little blue blossoms I think of Bev who was slender and beautiful inside and out.

As a seed is planted in the ground, GOD plants thoughts in our hearts (Philippians 2:13). Those thoughts are to lead us to co-labor with HIM in doing what HE is doing so that HE can reward us for doing good. The LORD loves to give gifts to HIS children.

Sometimes those thoughts from GOD come when we read HIS Word the Bible, other times thoughts seem to come quite out of the blue. (Like “You need to call so n so”, or,  “Don’t go there”).  But no matter how they come we initially know we should act on those thoughts. If we accept those thoughts, check with GOD about them, ponder them and act on them they will grow and produce what GOD wants done.  People can see a difference when we obey the thoughts GOD places in us.

GOD’s words test us. If we refuse to listen and push away the thoughts HE gives us, whether they are a warning or an instruction, we are turning away from listening to the LORD.

Now the devil also plants thoughts in our minds. The thoughts from him are deceptive, forceful whispers.  The Bible refers to them as fiery darts of the devil (Ephesians 6:16). Those thoughts can gnaw at you and seem urgent and pushy. We can either accept them or refuse them.  If we accept such thoughts without 1^st checking to see if they line up with the Word of GOD (Isaiah 8:20), if we think about them/ mulling them over in our minds they will also grow and grow and eventually produce problems.  People can see the results of our bad thinking.

It doesn’t matter how large or small the seed is that is planted, if the seed is received by the ground it will produce and the results show the onlooker what kind of seed it was.

We learn to recognize the difference between GOD’s thoughts and the devil’s through studying the Bible.  But we still need to check out every thought with JESUS (2 Corinthians 10:5), for the evil one can pretend to be an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and is very persuasive. Often he disguises himself as though he is us  and can sound more like us than we do. So, if we choose to listen to the devil’s suggestions, which by the way are the world’s standards (Ephesians 2:2, 1 John 5:19), we think we are just doing what is right in our own eyes.

Now GOD is loving and fair, but as any loving parent knows to let sin go on and on without correction is neither fair nor good for the children for sin destroys.

GOD pronounced HE was going to bring trouble on HIS people -the Jews.  They were clueless so asked the prophet Jeremiah to find out what sin they had done that they were going to be punished for.  GOD had Jeremiah tell the Jews that their fathers had forsaken GOD gone into idolatry and served and worshiped false gods and did not do what HE commanded. But then added:  “And you have done worse than your fathers, behold each one follows the dictates of his own evil heart, so no one listens to ME” (Jeremiah 16:12).

Did you get that? GOD said the worse thing to do is to “do what is right in your own eyes”.  By doing that you are refusing to listen to HIM.

How often do we just want to do what we think is right in our own eyes, not stopping to ask GOD what HE wants us to do?  How often do we pray asking for what we think is right in our own eyes and don’t stop and listen to what HE wants us to pray for? 

Sure makes me stop and think.  How about you?  Let’s not forget to listen to GOD.

Hugs

Sharon

Just do what’s right

Nobody on earth is perfect.  But, like Paul we need to say, “Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I MAKE EVERY EFFORT to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by CHRIST JESUS (Philippians 3:12 CBS).  “I can do all things through CHRIST which strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

You (who believe in JESUS) are of GOD … and have overcome … because greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

When you were saved, the SPIRIT of CHRIST (Philippians 1:19) (one of the HOLY SPIRIT’s names) came to live within you and sealed you as GOD’s possession (Ephesians 1:13). This means you are no longer your own, you were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). You now belong to the LORD and are to live in a manner that reflects CHRIST.

Have you ever considered how some of our attitudes and actions grieve the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 4:30) who is sealed in us until the day of Redemption?  Our actions and thoughts can also hinder our prayers for GOD will not hear our prayers if we cling to sin (Psalm 66:18).  By refusing the nudges of the HOLY SPIRIT we give Satan room to work in and through us (Ephesians 4:27).

In Romans 12:1-2 we are urged by the mercies of GOD, to present our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, ^[acceptable to GOD, which is your spiritual service of worship. And we are told not to be conformed to this ^[world’s ways and thoughts but be transformed by the renewing of our mind (in HIS Word), so that we may prove what the will of GOD is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

How do we do that? “Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will make your paths straight.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7). The HOLY SPIRIT will enable you if you pray (ask) (Hebrews 4:16).

Fearing the LORD is more that just reverential AWE of our GOD.  It is a healthy fear: fear HE won’t hear our prayers because we hold on to a sin and it is fear of the discipline HE promises to give all HIS children HE loves that need it (Hebrews 12:6-7, 11).

It’s obvious to us that lying, adultery, and stealing are wrong, and we are often quick to criticize them harshly.  But too often we tolerate and excuse sinful attitudes and emotions in ourselves like assumptions, judgments, snide remarks, gossip, anger, bitterness, resentment, and an unforgiving spirit. Every area of our life is affected when we refuse to extend to others the understanding, long-suffering, forgiving grace GOD freely extends to us.

Take for instance snide remarks. They can really hurt a sensitive spirit.  I once suffered greatly when people mocked and made fun of my mistakes because of my inability to hear.  I pulled back and isolated myself until I learned to release my hurts to JESUS. Even today, there are times I have to turn to GOD to help me forgive and reach out.

Not knowing what might hurt another is one reason we are commanded to walk in/ follow the nudges and leading of the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 8:1, 4-5, Galatians 5:16-18).  If we are listening to the HOLY SPIRIT we cannot go wrong.  

Only GOD knows what will hurt another and it is only through the HOLY SPIRIT that HIS fruit, the CHRIST-like nature flows through us to meet the needs of others (John 7:38-39).  The HOLY SPIRIT enables us to see others through eyes GOD’s eyes of grace and mercy and to hear GOD’s instructions (Philippians 2:13) so that we can be the hands and feet of GOD.

The familiar command JESUS gave on the Sermon on the Mount—to treat others the same way we want them to treat us (Matthew 7:12) is still in effect.  JESUS still says, “And why call ye ME, LORD, LORD, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).  JESUS also says: “If you love ME, keep MY commandments (John 14:15).

As Paul said to Timothy, I say to myself and to you, ^“Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your PROFITING (growth) may appear to all (1 Timothy 4:15) and GOD be glorified.

Hugs

Sharon

What should I do?

Ever wonder what is happening in the world?   Why are things so crazy and getting so violent? That takes us back to “GOD made man upright, but THEY sought out many schemes” (Ecclesiastes 7:29). When we do what is right in our own eyes we run into troubles because “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walks to direct his (own) steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

If you think things are bad now, this is nothing compared to what we are told will occur around the time the Antichrist rises and his 7-year treaty with the Jews is signed and the 7-year Tribulation (called Jacob’s trouble -Jeremiah 30:7) begins (Daniel 9:27, Revelation 6).

So how can find hope and direction?

GOD the FATHER so loved the world that HE gave HIS only Begotten (unique/ not made but eternal) SON- JESUS that whosoever believes in HIM will have eternal life (John 3:16).  And to as many as received HIM (JESUS) to them HE gave the power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name (John 1:12).

To those GOD foreknew (would believe in JESUS) GOD decreed (predestined) to be conformed to the image of HIS (only Begotten) SON, that HE (JESUS) might be the 1^st of many brethren (Romans 8:29).

Notice that GOD sent HIS ONLY begotten SON so that HE might have MANY sons.  Amazing truth isn’t it? That does not mean we who believe in JESUS will be gods but that we are true children of GOD, sharing HIS image and HIS nature.

Hebrews 2:10 tells us that it was fitting for HIM (GOD the FATHER), for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons (us who believe in JESUS-1 John 3:1-2) unto glory, to make the captain (Leader/ JESUS) of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”

In other words, to lead us (who believe in JESUS and have become children of GOD-John 1:12) into maturity and conformed to HIS image, JESUS had to suffer. And did HE ever suffer! Though eternal Creator of the universes, JESUS voluntarily took on a human body (Philippians 2:5-8), suffered poverty, indignities, ridicule, humiliation and then shame (Hebrews 12:2) and indescribably awful pain as HE was whipped and then hung on the cross and bled so that we might be washed from our sins by HIS blood (Revelation 1:5), saved and reconciled to GOD (2 Corinthians 5:19-20) with the right to be called the children of GOD.

However, I’d like to pinpoint just one of the things I find absolutely, remarkably amazing.  As JESUS lived on earth in such a way as to LEAD us to know how to live (2 Corinthians 3:18, Hebrews 12:2-3) we are told over and over all JESUS did and said was in compliance to what GOD the FATHER told HIM to do and say (John 8:28).  HE never did anything on HIS own.

That is what JESUS meant when HE said “man shall not live by bread alone (physical nourishment) but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4).

And what Solomon meant when the HOLY SPIRIT led him to pen, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and LEAN not on your own understanding.  In all your ways (in everything) acknowledge (talk to) HIM and HE will direct your path (you will know something you need to do).  Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

In other words, we need to do what GOD says. And HE gave us the Bible to tell us what that is. “All scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (1 Timothy 3:16). By using the great and precious promises found in HIS book we can escape the corruption that is in the world through lusts and actually participate in the divine nature/ the very nature of GOD (2 Peter 1:4).

Yesterday I was struck with GOD’s instructions in how we should live in this crazy world as I read Psalm 37. In it GOD tells us NOT TO FRET 3 times, to TRUST GOD 3 times and to WAIT FOR GOD 3 times.  Since repetition in the Bible always indicates emphasis, those 3 words sound like instructions to me.

DON’T FRET at all the evil prospering around the world (Philippians 4:6-7), you can only do that by TRUSTING GOD is in control, is with you (Hebrews 13:5) and leading you in how you should go (Psalm 25:12), in that way WAIT for JESUS to come catch you (who believe in JESUS) away before everything breaks loose when the 7-year Tribulation begins.

“What man is he that fears the Lord? him shall GOD teach in the way that he shall choose” (Psalm 25:12).

Hugs,

Sharon

All squished up

All squished up inside of him is a beautiful butterfly

Some wonder why JESUS commanded us to be HIS witness.

“their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9: 48.

All squished up in that worm is a beautiful butterfly.

Back in the day I was reading in the Bible and came to, “where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9: 48). Puzzled I asked the LORD, “What in the world does that mean, LORD?” The word metamorphosis came to mind and so I went to an encyclopedia to refresh my memory on the process (it was in the days before computers and cell phones).

As I studied out the word, the answer to my question was crystal clear.

Interestingly the word metamorphosis is used two times in the original New Testament manuscripts. Both times tell how someone can become all that GOD want him to be.

“I beg you … by the mercies of GOD, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy (set apart to GOD), acceptable unto GOD, which is your reasonable service. And don’t be conformed to this world: but be transformed (Greek metamorphosis) by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of GOD (Romans 12:1-2).

Hummm we have to be renewed in our thinking to know GOD’s will and to know that it is good, it can be accepted and is perfect.

II Corinthians 3:16 tells us that when we turn to JESUS CHRIST and believe that HE died for our sins and was raised so we too could be raised and live with HIM forever, the veil that keeps unbelievers from understanding the Word of GOD is taken away. For we are given the HOLY SPIRIT to explain the Bible to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

Then we who believe in JESUS, beholding as looking in a mirror the glory of (wonderful things that are true about) the LORD, and we are changed (Greek= Metamorpho)into the same image from glory to glory (step by step), by the SPIRIT of the LORD (2 Corinthians 3:18).

This is saying that as we grow in our knowledge of JESUS it is like we are looking into a mirror and seeing JESUS. Step by step the HOLY SPIRIT shows us more of what JESUS is like and that changes (metamorphosis) us so that quality we have seen becomes a part of us. An example of this literally occurred one day when I was furious with a person in authority who I felt totally wronged me. So I told the LORD all about it and all of a sudden it was like I was seeing a video. I began remembering time after time when the LORD had forgiven me and no longer could I hold on to my anger against that person. The offense didn’t seem worth bothering with.

With that in mind let’s look back to what we learned in school about how a butterfly came to be and see what the Bible is saying about us as Christians.

Metamorphosis is a process with 3 distinct stages.

1)It begins when the larva hatches from an egg-worm. This is the eating and growing stage-constantly eating/ never having enough.

In the secular world, people are constantly trying to fill the emptiness they feel by feeding on the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. But nothing ever really satisfies. Actually, the hunger increases. It is as if the hole gets bigger and bigger. Ask any drug addict or alcoholic.

II Kings 17:15 tells us that chasing after emptiness, they empty themselves out.

(2)Then, the larva spins a cocoon and goes into its resting stage. While inside the cocoon digestive juices destroy much of the worm’s body, leaving a few cells intact. The remaining cells will begin the growth of the adult by using the nutrients from the broken-down larva. During this stage the insect is resting yet experiences a considerable amount of activity as its body tissues reorganize to form wings, legs, new eyes and mouth parts. It undergoes a complete transformation.

Modern science is unable to explain how a lowly crawler (worm) with biting mouth parts can be transformed (metamorphosized) into a graceful, winged insect with a built-in straw for sipping nectar from flowers.

But, unless the larva leaves his worm state of consuming hunger / constant eating and dies by entering the cocoon he will never become a butterfly.

The same is true for people. Unless one dies to his self-centered, self-deifying, self-satisfying quest and enters into CHRIST JESUS through believing in HIS finished work on the cross, his worm does not die.

JESUS described hell as a place – “where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9: 48

The cocoon or resting stage is hard and takes time and it is a breakdown of the old and a reconstruction to create the new. We are told we enter into rest when we believe (Hebrews 4). When we realize we are lost and cannot save ourselves and choose to look to JESUS’ work on the cross for us, then as we call on the name of the LORD we are saved (Romans 10:13). By reaching out to JESUS by believing HE died for us, we die to self and are placed in CHRIST.

Then GOD takes over to do the changes Romans (8:29). because by one sacrifice HE has made perfect forever those who are being (process) made holy (Hebrews 10:14).

(3)Stage 3 is when a totally different creature emerges from the cocoon. That is done with a great struggle and pressure. Note: if the cocoon opening is enlarged to aid the butterfly’s exit it will emerge deformed for the tremendous pressure of squeezing through the small opening is what forces the butterfly’s body fluids to move to the proper place for the fore and hind wings are attached and held in place by the veins at the base of the wings.

Just as the pressure of our problems are needed for our strengthening. Problems produce (James 1:2-4), yes actually achieve for us. “All this is for your benefit, … to the glory of GOD. For that reason we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen (our situation), but on what is unseen (what GOD is achieving for us through our situation), since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:15-18)

“we also glory (give thanks and take joy) in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because GOD’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the HOLY SPIRIT, who has been given to us (Romans 5:3-5).

In other words, step by step we are made to participate in the very nature of GOD (2 Peter 1:4) though we never becoming gods.

We begin our lives as a worm constantly striving to feed our hungers/ our desires. Our worm dies as we enter into the cocoon of believing in JESUS. Then we rest from self-effort by believing in JESUS’ finished work and following what the HOLY SPIRIT tells us (which is always agrees with the Word of GOD).

Through the struggles we face GOD is pushing all into place/ achieving for us astounding things vastly beyond all we can ask or even imagine, and we shall emerge beautiful butterflies conformed to the image of JESUS and our Heavenly FATHER who JESUS is exactly like. (Romans 8:29/ Hebrews 1:2-3). When we see JESUS face to face is when we become a butterfly (1 John 3:2).

Unless the larva leaves his worm state of consuming hunger and constant eating to die to his hungers by entering the cocoon he will never become a butterfly.

The same is true for us. Unless one dies to his self-centered, self-deifying, self-satisfying quest by entering into CHRIST JESUS through believing in HIS finished work on the cross, his worm does not die. His hungers remain and intensify. Some Christians fight the cocoon and GOD must discipline them (Hebrews 12:11). Upon believing in JESUS we get eternal life (John 3:16, 36) and are born of the SPIRIT into the family of GOD. GOD disciplines HIS children (Hebrews 12:5-8). GOD decreed all HIS children will undergo metamorphosis (Romans 8:29) and become butterflies.

JESUS described hell as a place – “where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9: 48.

Mark 9:48 says the fire is not quenched for those who refuse CHRIST. Everyone not written in the Lambs book of life will be thrown into the everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

The Bible goes on to say everyone (you and me included) will be salted with fire.” We all have struggles, but if we believe in JESUS, our struggles will end when we go be with JESUS. Not so for the unbeliever whose worm does not die. Whose constant hungers continue throughout eternity and they will suffer. Never, never will the potential all squished up within them develop. Never, never will they be what they were meant to be all because they refused/ chose not to receive the love of the truth that JESUS died for them.

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

If I’d been

Ever think you know best how something should be handled?

If GOD loves us, why do we have so many troubles?

GOD delights in those who have come to HIM through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25).  In fact, everyone who believes that JESUS died for their sin and was raised has the guarantee of eternal life.  When someone believes and calls on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13) at that moment that one is born a child of GOD (John 1:12). But being GOD teaches HIS children through our struggles (James 1:2-4), the bigger the family the more problems, big and small, there are to face.

I’ve had 5 children, 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and can’t think of a one whose struggles have not sent me to the throne of grace to beg for GOD’s mercy and favor for them.  Yet through many crisis times I saw no answer, but I always found peace.  That peace threw me beyond having to understand and guarded my heart from fear and my mind from speculating (Philippians 4:6-7).

Ruth Bell Graham wrote:

Had I been Joseph’s  mother I’d have prayed protection from his brothers. “God, keep him safe. He is so young, so different from the others.” Mercifully, she never knew there would be slavery and prison, too. (see Genesis 37, 39-50).

Had I been Moses’ mother I’d have wept to keep my little son: praying she might forget the babe drawn from the water of the Nile. Had I not kept him for her nursing him the while, was he not mine? –and she but Pharaoh’s daughter? (see Exodus).

Had I been Daniel’s mother I should have pled ‘Give Victory!’ –this Babylonian horde godless and cruel– Don’t let him be a captive–better dead, Almighty LORD.’ (see Daniel 1).

Had I been Mary, Oh, had I been she, I would have cried as never a mother cried, ‘Anything, O GOD, anything… –but crucified.’/ end quote.

Had GOD protected Joseph from his brothers, or Moses’ mother got to keep her little boy, had Daniel been killed rather than taken captive and JESUS not crucified… Where would we be today?

Each of these men would have missed the fulfillment and joy of completing their GOD appointed tasks besides GOD’s eternal purposes would have been thwarted. For though these men suffered they were greatly blessed and used mightily to do GOD’s work through the very means their moms would have kept them ‘safe’.

We need to remember GOD has a plan for our sons and daughters and friends and family who believe in JESUS (Ephesians 2:10). The plan is for good not for evil (Jeremiah 29:11).

And although we are told that we don’t know how to pray as we should (Romans 8:26-27), GOD tells us to ask HIM what HE is doing in the lives of HIS children and then we will be able to pray and move HIS hand in their lives (1 John 5:14-15, Isaiah 45:9, 11). Just as when GOD told Elijah HE was going to send rain, then Elijah could pray earnestly in faith (Romans 10:17) and rain came (1 Kings 18:1, James 5:17-18).

Don’t pray what you think best, ask GOD what is best.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge (talk it over with HIM) and HE will direct you (Proverbs 3:5-6) even in how to pray.

Hugs

Sharon